How to Become a Model

Many of us dream of being a model but only a few really achieve this goal. Nevertheless, nowadays there are more possibilities than ever before: many companies look for promotional models and spokesmodels who will become the faces of their brands. The market requires both plus size and slim runway models. There is also a demand for body parts models and print models as well as for attractive people who will advertise goods on trade shows. There are plenty of fish in the sea but how to catch at least one?

In this post we are going to speak about the basics of becoming a model.

Why to apply to a model agency?

If you are ready to start and looking for a way to become a fashion model, you can get in touch with a model agency. It’s a unique situation when a girl with no experience goes from rags to riches and is bought out for a fashion campaign for several years. For all newcomers it’s better to get in contact with a model agency that looks for people who fit a certain appearance, height, weight, etc.

How to get in contact?

Internet is the main communication channel in many spheres and fashion industry is not an exception. The majority of big model agencies allow online application. The least time consuming way to get rated by one of them is online submission. You may apply to several agencies at once and wait for a feedback.

You are expected to send at least 4 images.

Two head and shoulder portraits (front and side view). You need to show your facial features, hair and eye color, skin tone. Put hair off the face, apply minimum or no makeup.

Two full length portraits (front and profile) with top of your head and feet in photos. Do not pose, just stand straight. Girls can wear high heels if they want.

You can add photos from a professional photo shoot, but it’s not necessary. Look at the story on Model Scouts devoted to Laura LaRue application. Signing up with the agency the girl sent common snapshots (given below).

First shots

And now compare them with photos she got after she obtained modeling contracts with Elite Model Management, L.A. Models, Diva Models, Singapore, and Zem Models, Japan.

After the sign up

Where to apply

These are just a few of great amount of big modeling agencies which allow online submission.
1. Ford;
2. Elite;
3. DNA;
4. IMG;
5. Click;
6. VNY;
7. Next;
8. Red;
9. NY Models (click on Be Discovered link in the right corner of the page);
10. BMG (choose a city and click on Be a Model link).

If you have not got any callback do not think that you are not pretty: the majority of models are not perfectly beautiful but they do have a proper combination of face and body proportions. Modeling agencies often establish close ties with huge brands and know the precise look needed. Thereby they can choose girls and boys who suit the companies requirements and up-to-date trends.

Besides, take in mind: huge agencies have to browse through thousands of applications and only about 10-20 models get contracts annually.

How to get professional photos for free

If you’d like to add professional photos to your portfolio, you can hire a photographer and work with him or her. Nevertheless, you need to be sure in his/her high qualification. You can also use other options.

1) Young photographers are often eager to work with models for free. The majority of them have lack of experience but a lot of enthusiasm. If you are on the same wavelength you can make a decent portfolio. In the worst-case scenario, a photographer will make a few standard photos that demonstrate your face features and body proportions.

2) This method is harder but it’s worth trying. Professional photographers often lead photo shooting trainings and courses and need models for these events. You can find his or her blog or account on Facebook, check when the next training starts and write to the photographer. Express your admiration towards his or her works and propose to work with him or her during the next photo shooting lessons for free. If you have what it takes to be a model you both will make a deal.

Stories from life

You can find lots of real stories devoted to successful fashion model careers. It’s really useful to read them and learn from them. Such stories are usually published on the Success Stories page which can be found on pretty much of modeling websites.

It happens that the fashion industry finds a model without any efforts from her or his side. A case in point is a recent story that happened to a Belgian girl who went to FIFA World Cup 2014. Axelle Despiegelaere, 17, was pretty indeed and got fans admiration on social network. Many people shared her photos and expressed their approval of her appearance. Being just a photogenic girl and a football fan she reportedly signed a modeling contract with L’Oreal. Probably, this story is true, judging from the fact that L’Oreal shared this video of Axelle’s recent trip to a fancy salon on YouTube.

Another story which is now considered to be classics of the genre. Cindy Crawford, a 16 year old girl from Illinois, was picking corn when a local photographer took a photo of hers for the local newspaper. The girl got great public admiration which encouraged her to try her chances in fashion modelling. She had to abandon her university scholarship in chemical-engineering to become a model. In 1983, she entered the Elite Model Look contest in Acapulco, and became one of the top 12 finalists. 3 years later Cindy got her first Vogue magazine cover. Success came soon to her: she took part in number of prestigious campaigns and became a world-famous model.

3 thoughts on “How to Become a Model”

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